Exercise With Caution In Portland Heat Wave

Exhausted RunnerWhen exercising in hot weather, you can become more susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The most serious heat illness while working out can be prevented by knowing the warning signs and symptoms. If these warning signs are ignored, they may progress into a life-threatening heat emergency.

Normally, our body temperature is regulated by sweating. A number of factors can limit sweating, including intense exercise in high temperatures or high humidity, age, obesity, fever, dehydration, illness, medications and alcohol. If you develop a heat illness, it usually occurs after several hours of excessive sweating that leads, first to to dehydration, then to loss of electrolytes. (Electrolyte drinks containing sodium and potassium salts replenish the body’s water).

Here are a few things to remember:

Drink the Right Amount of the Right Fluids
Replace Lost Electrolytes
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Use Sunscreen and Avoid Sunburn
Acclimate to the Heat
Use Common Sense

Your daily fitness routine is still important. Consider staying inside to workout if it’s too hot outside.

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